In short: Wella Illumina Color is a premium permanent colour built on Microlight Technology for luminous, natural-looking results in any light. Mix it 1:1 with Welloxon Perfect developer, apply to dry hair and process for 30–40 minutes. It lifts up to 3 levels and gives up to 70% grey coverage (up to 100% mixed with a natural).
Written for salon professionals. Reviewed against current Wella Professionals guidance.
What is Wella Illumina Color?
Illumina Color is Wella Professionals' premium permanent colour, known for a luminous, multi-dimensional finish that looks natural in every kind of light — daylight, warm indoor light, anything. It's a full permanent colour (it lifts, deposits and covers grey), but its signature is light reflection: the colour appears to glow from within rather than sitting flat on the surface. Newer Illumina also includes a Metal Purifier to help protect hair from the extra damage metals can cause during colour.
Colourists reach for Illumina when the brief is natural, expensive-looking dimension — luxe brondes, soft blondes, glossy brunettes — and for clients who want shine with a low-damage feel.
How does Microlight Technology work?
Copper and other metals sit on the cuticle and roughen its surface, scattering light and dulling colour. Microlight Technology smooths and protects the cuticle and surrounds those copper particles, so the surface stays clear and light can pass into the hair and reflect back out. The result is that signature inner luminosity — and more even colour development too.
What's the Illumina mixing ratio?
For standard full-head colour and grey coverage, Illumina mixes 1:1 with Welloxon Perfect developer — for example, 60ml Illumina Color to 60ml Welloxon Perfect. For pastel blonde toning, the ratio changes to 1:2 with Welloxon Perfect Pastel (see below). Illumina is not recommended for mixing with Koleston Perfect.
Which Welloxon Perfect developer should you use?
Pair Illumina with Welloxon Perfect, choosing the strength by the lift you need:
| Welloxon Perfect | Volume | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1.9% Pastel | 6 vol | Blonde toning (mix 1:2) |
| 6% | 20 vol | Grey coverage / same depth / 1 level of lift |
| 9% | 30 vol | 2 levels of lift |
| 12% | 40 vol | 3 levels of lift |
How do you apply Illumina Color?
Apply to dry hair. For same-depth or darkening full-head colour, apply from roots to ends and develop for 30–40 minutes (or 15–25 minutes with heat). When lightening, apply to the mid-lengths and ends first (leaving around 2cm from the scalp), develop, then apply to the roots and complete the development time. Emulsify and rinse, then finish with a colour-safe shampoo.
Always carry out an allergy alert/sensitivity test 48 hours before each service.
How much does Illumina lift?
Illumina lifts up to 3 levels on virgin hair — using 12% (40 vol) for the full three levels, 9% (30 vol) for two and 6% (20 vol) for one. For more than three levels, pre-lighten first, then tone or colour with Illumina.
Does Illumina cover grey?
Yes — any Illumina shade gives up to 70% grey coverage with a sheer, natural finish. For 70–100% grey, mix your target shade 1:1 with a corresponding natural shade at the same level and use 6% (20 vol) Welloxon Perfect for a more opaque, reliable result.
Blonde toning with Illumina
Illumina is a favourite for toning after a lightening service. For pastel toning, mix 1:2 (one part Illumina Color to two parts Welloxon Perfect Pastel 1.9%) and develop for around 10–15 minutes, watching closely. Because the shades are fully intermixable, you can dial in precise, custom tones on pre-lightened hair.
Illumina vs Koleston Perfect vs Color Touch
| Illumina Color | Koleston Perfect | Color Touch | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Permanent | Permanent | Demi-permanent |
| Lift | Up to 3 levels | Up to 5 levels | None |
| Grey coverage | Up to 70% (100% mixed) | Up to 100% | Blends / tones |
| Mixing | 1:1 with Welloxon | 1:1 with Welloxon | 1:2 with Color Touch Emulsion |
| Best for | Luminous, natural dimension | Intense colour, max coverage and lift | Toning, glossing, refreshing |
Quick reference
- Type: permanent, Microlight Technology
- Mixing ratio: 1:1 with Welloxon Perfect (1:2 with Pastel for toning)
- Developers: Welloxon Perfect 1.9% / 6% / 9% / 12%
- Lift: up to 3 levels
- Grey: up to 70% (up to 100% mixed with a natural)
- Processing: 30–40 min (15–25 with heat)
Frequently asked questions
Is Wella Illumina permanent?
Yes — Illumina Color is a permanent colour that lifts, deposits and covers grey.
What is the Illumina mixing ratio?
1:1 with Welloxon Perfect developer for standard colour and grey coverage; 1:2 with Welloxon Perfect Pastel for blonde toning.
What developer do you use with Illumina?
Welloxon Perfect — 1.9% (pastel toning), 6% for 1 level of lift, 9% for 2, and 12% for 3. It's not recommended to mix Illumina with Koleston Perfect.
How many levels does Illumina lift?
Up to 3 levels on virgin hair.
Does Illumina cover grey?
Any shade gives up to 70% grey coverage; for 70–100% grey, mix 1:1 with a natural shade at the same level using 6% developer.
How long does Illumina take to process?
30–40 minutes without heat, or 15–25 minutes with heat.
Can you use Illumina to tone blondes?
Yes — mix 1:2 with Welloxon Perfect Pastel 1.9% and develop for around 10–15 minutes for custom pastel tones.
What makes Illumina different?
Microlight Technology smooths the cuticle and neutralises copper so light reflects from within, giving a luminous, natural-looking finish in any lighting.
Stocking up
Illumina Color is the range to reach for when clients want natural, light-reflective colour with a premium feel — and it pairs with the Welloxon Perfect developers you're already stocking. Browse the full Illumina shade range and Welloxon Perfect developers in our colour section, with trade pricing and fast delivery as standard.
Professional use only. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and complete the recommended allergy alert test before every application.
